It happens every single year. You’re halfway through the stuffing prep when you realize the sage is ancient and tastes like sawdust. Or maybe the "unbreakable" electric carver finally gave up the ghost. You grab your keys, head to the car, and then it hits you: Is anything even open today?
Honestly, the landscape of what is open on Thanksgiving 2024 has changed a lot since the pre-pandemic days. We used to have those 6:00 PM doorbusters where people would ditch their pumpkin pie to go wrestle over a 50-inch TV. Those days are basically dead. Most major retailers have realized that staying closed on the actual holiday is better for morale—and their bottom line.
If you’re looking for a last-minute miracle, don't just drive to the nearest big-box store. You'll likely find a dark parking lot. Here is the actual, boots-on-the-ground reality of what you can (and can't) find open this year.
The Big No-Gos: Stores Definitely Closed
If your plan involves a blue or red vest, forget it. Walmart and Target are both closed. Target made this a permanent policy a couple of years back, so don't expect that to change anytime soon. It’s their way of giving staff a breather before the Black Friday chaos.
Costco is also a hard no. They’ve always been closed on major holidays, and 2024 is no different. Same goes for Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's. If you need a new drill or a dishwasher on Thursday, you’re outta luck.
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- Walmart (Closed)
- Target (Closed)
- Costco (Closed)
- Best Buy (Closed)
- Macy's (Closed)
- TJ Maxx & Marshalls (Closed)
Grocery Stores: Your Last-Minute Lifeline
This is where it gets kinda tricky. While the giants like Publix and Aldi are shutting their doors for the day, plenty of other grocers are staying open, albeit with "we want to go home early" hours.
Kroger is a reliable bet for most, but they usually pull the plug around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM local time. Whole Foods is similar—most locations will be open, but expect them to close their doors by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. If you're in Texas, H-E-B is usually open until noon, which is just enough time to grab that forgotten cranberry sauce.
- ACME: Open until 4:00 PM (usually).
- Albertsons: Most locations open until mid-afternoon.
- Meijer: Typically open until 5:00 PM.
- Sprouts Farmers Market: Open until 2:00 PM.
- Wegmans: Open until 4:00 PM (except for some MA locations).
Pharmacies and Essentials
If you need actual medicine, CVS is your best friend. Most of their standalone 24-hour locations stay open. However, if the CVS is located inside a Target, it’s closed because the Target is closed. Simple, but easy to forget.
Walgreens has shifted their strategy recently. While they used to be the "always open" spot, most locations are now closed on Thanksgiving 2024. Only their 24-hour flagship stores and specific pharmacies will be operating. Rite Aid is largely closed across the board.
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Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Wawa, and Sheetz are almost always open 24/7. They are the true MVPs of the holiday for milk, eggs, or just a sanity-preserving cup of coffee.
Dining Out: Where to Get a Meal
Not everyone wants to cook. I get it. The dishes alone are a nightmare.
Cracker Barrel is arguably the king of Thanksgiving dining. They serve a traditional turkey dinner all day, and it's usually packed. Bob Evans and Denny's are also reliable staples that stay open 24/7 or with full holiday hours.
If you want something faster, McDonald's and Starbucks hours are decided by the individual franchise owner. Some will be open; some will be closed. Use the app before you drive. Chick-fil-A is closed, as is their tradition for every major Sunday or holiday.
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Restaurants to Check:
- Applebee’s: Many locations open, but check your local one first.
- Buca di Beppo: Usually open for feast-style dining.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Open for a high-end holiday meal.
- Waffle House: Always open. Literally always.
Why Everything Is Different Now
You might remember 2015 when Thanksgiving felt like "Black Friday Eve." Retailers like Sears (RIP) and JCPenney would open at 4:00 PM on Thursday.
Industry experts like those at the National Retail Federation have noted a massive shift toward online shopping. Since you can buy that discounted air fryer from your couch while watching the Lions game, there's no reason for stores to pay the overhead of keeping physical locations open. Plus, the labor market is tighter. Stores found that forcing people to work on Thanksgiving was a great way to lose employees.
What to Do if You’re Stranded
If you find yourself in a bind after 5:00 PM, your options narrow significantly.
Check local "mom and pop" ethnic grocery stores. Many international markets don't observe the US Thanksgiving holiday and stay open normal hours. It's a great hack for finding produce or staples when the big chains have locked up.
Also, DoorDash and UberEats will still be active, but expect fewer drivers and higher delivery fees. If a restaurant is open, you can probably get it delivered, but it’s going to cost you.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the App: Before you leave the house, check the store's official app. Google Maps isn't always updated for holiday hours and might lie to you.
- Call Ahead: If you're heading to a pharmacy or a specific restaurant, a 30-second phone call can save you a 20-minute drive.
- Stock Up Wednesday: Seriously, just get the extra butter on Wednesday. Even if a store is "open," the shelves are usually picked clean by 10:00 AM Thursday.
- Gas Up Early: Most gas stations with pay-at-the-pump will work fine, but if you need the indoor shop for a snack, aim for the larger travel centers like Love's or Flying J.